Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has commenced the construction and dualisation of the 43.7-kilometre Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, a major infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity between Enugu and the Nsukka zone.
The project, which includes street lighting and road improvements, is scheduled for completion within 18 months. The governor said the initiative is part of his administration’s broader plan to position Enugu as a leading destination for investment, business, tourism and residence.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Opi, Mbah said the road would be redesigned at several sections to eliminate dangerous bends, improve safety and help reduce criminal activities along the route.
According to the governor, the project comprises the 3.6-kilometre stretch from Penoks Junction to the T-Junction flyover, as well as the 41-kilometre Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka section.
Mbah said the upgrade was designed to cut travel time between Enugu and Nsukka from more than an hour to approximately 30 minutes, making movement easier for residents, workers, businesses and farmers.
He explained that the project was also driven by the need to accelerate economic development in Nsukka zone, which he described as an important economic centre within the state.
The governor further highlighted his administration’s ward-based development strategy, noting that the 102 electoral wards in Nsukka zone would benefit from projects including smart schools, Type 2 primary healthcare centres and extensive road construction.
The project received strong endorsements from traditional rulers, lawmakers and political leaders who attended the ceremony.
Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, described the road project as a landmark development and praised the governor for what he called his commitment to Nsukka zone.
Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Ezeani Ezenta, said the governor’s performance had answered critics who questioned his commitment to the area.
Former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, also described the project as a major legacy initiative capable of opening up Nsukka and connecting the area more effectively with other parts of the state.
Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Dennis Agbo, said the road would boost commerce, improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and contribute to efforts to combat crime.
He described the project as evidence of the administration’s focus on unlocking the economic potential of Enugu State.
Meanwhile, the federal lawmakers from Enugu pledged their support for the governor’s development agenda.
The contractor handling the project, COMAG Construction Company, through its Chief Executive Officer, Cosmas Agu, assured the state government that the road would be delivered within the agreed timeframe and to the required standard.
The dualisation is expected to significantly improve transportation, stimulate economic activities and strengthen the connection between Enugu metropolis and Nsukka zone when completed.